Tag Archives: Coorg

Kodagu takes to recharge wells to harvest rainwater

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A typical recharge well

This summer was bitter for many homes in Kodagu. Their wells almost dried up before the monsoon broke. But 47-year-old Suraj Ajjikuttira in south Kodagu didn’t have to worry.

His recharge well, probably the first one in hilly Kodagu, ensured that his open well had ample water during the dry season.

Buoyed by his success, Ajjikuttira made it his mission to spread his knowledge of harvesting rain through videos, workshops and meetings. People can even phone and ask him. As a result, awareness is spreading and the recharge well is increasing in popularity. Kodagu now has at least 40 to 50 recharge wells. 

Ajjikuttira’s interest in rainwater harvesting began two decades ago, when his 50-foot well, dug in 1979, started going dry. By 2002 he thought he had no option but to dig a bore well for drinking water. Then, fortuitously, he participated in a seminar on rainwater harvesting in Mysore. He picked up the nuances of groundwater recharge very quickly.

Ajjikuttira went home determined to apply his newly acquired knowledge by recharging his bore well. He dug a 10-foot-deep mini well around it.  After filling up the mini well with aggregate matter, he diverted run-off from the nearby area into his bore well. The next year itself, the water level in his bore well rose considerably.

“That convinced me about the efficacy of groundwater recharge,” reminisces Ajjikuttira. He doubled his efforts and started a serious attempt to catch all the rainwater he could on his estate. He turned his attention to rainwater falling on his roof, on the vast frontage of his home and the adjoining coffee-drying yard or ‘kana’.

Earlier, all this water used to disappear into a drain. Ajjikuttira now ensured that all run-off got collected at one spot and then flowed out. A leaf separator was attached at the exit point to prevent leaves from clogging this stream of water.

The usual custom is to make a rain pit for such run-off to percolate. But, in this case, the water that was flowing was excessive. After racking his brains, Ajjikuttira dug a recharge well, five feet in diameter, to catch this water. He placed concrete rings along the inner walls of the well 12 feet deep, to prevent its walls from collapsing. The diameter was then reduced. Another six to eight feet were dug and filled with stones to firm up the second stage of the recharge well.

Suraj Ajjikuttira near a large tank which now collects rainwater

Consequently, rainwater collected from about 1,500 square feet of space goes straight into Ajjikuttira’s recharge well and is fully absorbed there. “At the most we get one inch of rain per day. I have designed the recharge well in such a way that even this one inch of water is captured,” he explains. The water that is percolating is estimated to be around two lakh litres.

Ajjikuttira’s well was 42 feet deep when his father got it dug in 1979. In 1994, when the well dried up, it was deepened by another eight feet and eight rings were fixed on its walls. After that the well never dried up. Even during the 2016 drought, Ajjikuttira’s well had eight feet of water. Last year, when wells dried up in Kodagu, Ajjikuttira’s well had 11 feet of water.

The recharge well is a new concept invented in Chennai in the 1990s. Later, the idea was embraced by residents of Bengaluru. The city now probably has around 50,000 recharge wells. The sole purpose of the recharge well is to recharge groundwater. The well can be very small in diameter, as low as three feet.

COFFEE AND RAIN

Kodagu district’s main crop is coffee. Coffee plants are rain-fed. The first showers or ‘blossom showers’, received in February and March, are very important for coffee farmers. If it doesn’t rain at this time, farmers have to pump up water from tanks and sprinkle or irrigate the plants.

After the blossom showers are over, coffee plants require a second spell of irrigation within 15 to 20 days. These showers are called ‘back-up’ showers. If the rains fail to arrive then farmers who still have water do a second round of sprinkling.

The water in Ajjikuttira’s tank was hardly sufficient for even one round of irrigation. About 200 metres away from his tank is a huge seven-acre tank called Katibetta Kere. This water body belongs to the revenue department. It has a catchment of around 500 acres. But the tank’s bund had breached in one area and it wasn’t retaining water. Ajjikuttira built a check dam with sand bags in the catchment area so that the tank would retain water and help his own tank absorb some water.

Katibetta Kere is at a higher elevation than Ajjikuttira’s irrigation tank. Subsequently, the department built a concrete check dam for Katibetta Kere. Recalls a happy Ajjikuttira, “Since then, this tank has enhanced water availability in my own tank. Now, even if we do three rounds of irrigation, the tank still has water.”

Rainfall figures differ across Kodagu district. Ajjikuttira’s place receives 54 inches — coffee planters still measure rain in inches — whereas not-so-distant Virajapet gets 70 inches. Wetlands here are dwindling and so is forest cover. Due to various reasons, water availability is worsening in the district. Unfortunately, awareness about rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge is abysmally low.

Once Ajjikuttira succeeded in augmenting water availability in his estate, he started spreading the idea of water harvesting. In the last 15 years, he has conducted more than 300 awareness sessions on rainwater harvesting in schools, government departments, workshops for citizens and so on.

“In most Kodagu estates, the house is located at a higher level. In the past, the yard for drying coffee beans and paddy used to be built near the paddy fields in a lower area. But due to security reasons the yard is now constructed close to the house. So the typical house would have a large area in front with a drying yard close to it. This entire stretch is either built with concrete or lined with interlocking tiles. So a huge amount of clean water flows on this surface,” says Ajjikuttira.

“We need a structure that can hold this run-off and make it percolate fast. I experimented with the recharge well. Although it is expensive, it does the job efficiently.”

Ajjikuttira is approached by people on the phone or in person for guidance in harvesting rainwater. “If we make arrangements to catch all the run-off from the front area and the drying yard, summer rains alone will ensure the well doesn’t dry up,” he says confidently. A recharge well costs approximately Rs 60,000-70,000. 

Ajjikuttira carries out a simple test to check whether the bore well can be artificially recharged. A few barrels of water are kept nearby and poured into the bore well one after another. If the bore well overflows, it indicates that it won’t absorb water and recharge. The idea is then abandoned.

SPREADING AWARENESS

Ajjikuttira has put together a three-part video to spread knowledge on rainwater harvesting in Kodagu. Uploaded on YouTube, it tells people how to use rainwater directly, how to recharge defunct and working bore wells and how to use a recharge well for groundwater recharge.

After taking advice from Ajjikuttira, Tej Thammaiah Ajjikuttira constructed a recharge well 10 feet in diameter and 22 feet deep last year. The well is a big one because Thammaiah’s bungalow, front yard and ‘kana’ spread to about a hectare. The well has cost him Rs 130,000.

Thammaiah’s open well, 60 feet deep, didn’t dry up completely. But by the end of summer it would have only four to five feet of water. Last summer it had 30 feet of water because he followed in Ajjikuttira’s footsteps.

Rakshith of Sulagodu is another estate owner who sought Ajjikuttira’s advice. He has an open well which is 100 feet deep. It used to dry up in summer and he found it difficult even to provide water to his labourers. He built a recharge well which cost him Rs 70,000. Two years later his water woes are over.

 “Now I have water up to 25 feet,” he says. “By the end of summer, water levels recede by seven to eight feet. I don’t have to worry about drinking water for many decades to come.”

Soil in Kodagu collapses very easily. Ajjikuttira has noticed that many people dig a recharge pit quite close to the well. “This is highly risky. Many wells have collapsed because pits were dug very close to them. It’s always better to locate the pits about 15 or 20 feet away,” he warns.

He points out that each estate is endowed with expansive areas from where water can be easily harvested. “The shifting of the drying yard from lower areas near paddy fields to the area adjoining the house in an elevated area has also caused water scarcity in open wells. This is because we cement all these areas and never permit water to percolate.” Planters who have realised this are taking corrective measures to allow for percolation.

Coffee estates require huge quantities of water for irrigation to induce flower blossoming. “There are several earthen tanks or keres in Kodagu. You can see these tanks on Google earth. But, unlike the old days, tanks are dug unscientifically. The selection of the site should be such that we can divert streams of water into it. Many new tanks don’t have this.”

Another important groundwater recharge structure in these estates is a legacy of British planters called ‘thottilu gundi’ or cradle pits, so called because of the shape. Thottilu gundis were systematically and periodically dug and cleaned amidst rows of coffee. They would convert surface run-off from the hills into sub-soil seepage that would reach the tank after many months. “Due to the high cost of labour and poor labour availability, many of us have bid goodbye to digging of this very useful system,” laments Ajjikuttira.

Contact Suraj Ajjikuttira at 9901012970

source: http://www.civilsocietyonline.com / Civil Society / Home> Environment / by Shree Padre, Kodagu / August 29th, 2019 (updated December 03rd, 2020)

Getting a whiff of Coorg and its coffeeology

Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , ,

The Sidapur Museum of coffee where you can brew your own cup

SNUGGLED in the midst of 300 acres of verdant coffee and spice plantations in a picturesque pastoral setting, Evolve Back Resort in Kodagu has catapulted Kodagu onto the national tourism map. The luxury brand has ventured into the holiday hospitality business in this region. Owned by the Ramapuram Group, which has been in the plantation business since 1921, the resort is renowned for its beauty, facilities and hospitality. 

In keeping with its avowed philosophy of offering exquisite, true-to-the-land experiences, the resort allows guests to sample plantation life at its graceful best. This is made possible by the traditional-style accommodation, and the host of facilities that the resort offers. The wide choice of accommodation includes Kodava-style Ayenmanes  with private pools and plantation cottages. An Ayurveda spa, a gym, a conference hall, an infinity pool and three restaurants —Peppercorn, Plantation Leaf and Granary — are also on offer. 

Boating in a four-acre private lake, guided plantation tours, coracle rides, birdwatching, cycling, and visiting the resort’s own school are some of the activities arranged for guests.  We returned with memories of straight-from-the-heart service, pampering, privacy, tranquility and a multitude of enjoyable experiences firmly rooted in the natural environs and culture of the land.

At the Sidapur Museum of Coffee and Culture we experienced the thrill of making our own brew right from pulping, grading, roasting, grinding and cupping in. With the invigorating aroma of coffee in the air, we strolled around the museum and got a taste of how life was lived in the old days in Coorg. We found Coffeeology, a daily live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee, most interesting. 

The museum offers different sections that showcase the story of the Ramapuram family, the history of coffee in Coorg, how coffee is cultivated globally and the art of brewing the perfect cup. It recreates a space evoking the rustic feel of a coffee plantation, with materials and objects used in the past and the present, reminiscent of eras gone by and ways of life that have been replaced with the onset of modernity. 

Large, dented copper and brass vessels of unique shapes and sizes line the walls, each harbouring their unique stories. A few of the objects are from the Ramapuram family collection — a hand-operated coffee roaster and a typewriter that were very much in use on the Chikkana Halli Estate. The coffee grinder in the museum has had quite a journey. It belonged to a Kodava gentleman who ran a coffee house in Lahore before the Partition, after which it was transported to Bangalore and housed in Chinny’s Café on Brigade Road for many years.

restaurant which overlooks an infinity pool

Steeped in local lore and legend, the resort prides itself on locally inspired activities and initiatives which include school adoption, cultural shows by local artistes, providing them with a supplementary means of income, and schoolteachers’ training which demonstrate that responsible tourism is not a one-way street. Right from the native and eco-friendly architecture to the locally inspired activities and interaction with  ethnic communities, the entire experience is life-enriching. 

In keeping with its eco-friendly ethos, concerted efforts are made to conserve water. The cornerstone of the resort’s water conservation programme is the hotel’s own sewage treatment plant (STP). The treated water is used for irrigation in the gardens at the resort’s premises. The STP not only preserves the quality of fresh water resources, but  reduces the amount of water used by the hotel. An extensive drip irrigation system allows the resort to use less water. A reverse osmosis plant installed in each cottage provides 100 percent safe drinking water while reducing the negative impact of over 50,000 plastic bottles every year. Other commendable water conservation programmes of the resort include rainwater harvesting and the ozonisation plant for the main swimming pool.

The resort’s solid waste management efforts are noteworthy too. Apart from the segregation of degradable and biodegradable waste, plastic, glass, metal and paper are sent for recycling. STP sludge is used as fertilizer. The use of CFL lamps, electronic key tags, and installation of governors on diesel generator sets have helped in conservation of energy. A company-owned wind power generator offsets power consumption and supplies surplus power to the government.

No tree has been cut down during the construction and the enormous ficus tree next to the pool has been there since before its inception. The landscape is beautifully laid out with indigenous flowering shrubs and plants. It is difficult to find exotic flora in the resort. All the trees and plants are named and this makes for an enjoyable and informative walk. Steps have also been taken to minimize formal landscaping. 

With green consciousness catching on, travellers are heading to resorts with excellent responsible tourism bona fides.

Currently, local employment at the resort has been stepped up. The resort shows its concern for the community by organizing structured community development programmes. Cultural shows are carried out by the locals, providing them supplementary income.

The indigenous guides and staff are the faces of the resort’s claim to fame. These signature holidays which preserve the purity of nature and culture of the land have received due global recognition and prestigious awards. At the end of the stay, even a casual visitor will be converted into a sustainable tourism practitioner.  

Fact File

Getting there: Distance from Bengaluru — 230 km / Distance from Mysuru — 100 km / Email: coorg@evolveback.com

source: http://www.civilsocietyonline.com / Civil Society / Home> Travel / by Susheela Nair / November 23rd, 2023 (updated February 29th, 2024)

Going beyond the bean with the founder of an innovative Canadian coffee company

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Forest Bean

For many of us, coffee is the fuel behind our mornings, meetings, or late-night study sessions. But behind every cup is a harsh reality: coffee farming is often unsustainable. It’s estimated that, for every cup we sip, about one square inch of rainforest is destroyed .

So, what’s a coffee lover to do?

The good news is there are coffee brands out there that are pioneering sustainability — Canadian brands like Forest Bean .

Forest Bean offers true forest-grown coffee, cultivated at high elevations and nurtured by biodiversity. Crafted purposefully, it’s perfect for coffee fans, roasters, and cafes seeking naturally grown, premium-quality beans. Ethically sourced from micro-lot farms in India, locally roasted Forest Bean inspires a deeper connection to nature and craft.

We spoke to Dr. Pete Poovanna , founder and executive director of Forest Bean Coffee, to find out what makes their beans stand out from the crowd.

Rooted in India, Roasted in Canada

Forest Bean

Forest Bean’s farms are located on the hilly forested heartland of the Indian Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The company was founded by Dr. Poovanna after he moved to Vancouver in 2013 for PhD in sustainable energy engineering, and was struck by Canada’s coffee culture and how our love for it was affecting the environment.

Born and raised in Coorg located in the heart of the Western Ghats himself, he was influenced by his parents’ land management as sixth-generation coffee farmers, and his community’s spiritually-rooted practices called “sacred grove farming.”

source: youtube.com

Determined to make a difference, he launched Forest Bean Inc. to bring sustainably grown Indian coffee to coffee connoisseurs around the world.

The farm

Forest Bean

At Forest Bean’s farms, coffee beans are grown naturally under two-tiered shade on micro-lots with the utmost emphasis on sustainability.

“Sacred grove farming utilizes traditional agroforestry methods, meaning our coffee plants thrive under natural forest shade alongside native flora and fauna,” Dr. Poovanna explains.

We believe protecting the farm by not felling trees or harming wildlife, the reigning deity will protect us in return, and the farmers will prosper. This approach enriches soil naturally, conserves water, and protects the rainforest ecosystem.”

Forest Bean

The farms produce some of the highest quality coffee while providing a natural habitat for a multitude of animals — birds, bugs, wild cats, apes, elephants, and more thrive alongside coffee plants.

Amid widespread greenwashing, Dr. Poovanna emphasizes that true sustainability in coffee production needs to address the entire lifecycle, farming practices included. He explains that only focusing on clean packaging or green transportation ignores the industry’s larger environmental impacts like deforestation and carbon loss during cultivation — something he says actually undermines genuine sustainability efforts. 

Time-honoured traditions

Forest Bean

The Forest Bean coffee farmers, who belong to the ancient Kodava and Adivasi communities, employ traditional farming practices. Each bean is handpicked.

“Indian farming traditions are rooted in generations of Indigenous knowledge that prioritize sustainable coexistence with nature. By supporting and collaborating with Indigenous farmers, Forest Bean preserves these time-tested agricultural practices, ensuring cultural sustainability and economic empowerment.”

Forest Bean

The presence of Totem Figurines on our farms shows the deep cultural significance of the coffee forest and surrounding wilderness. Totem Figurines have been scattered throughout the farm for centuries.

Roasted locally in Vancouver

Forest Bean

Forest Bean coffee beans are roasted right here in Vancouver. Due to its unique growing methods, it offers distinct, vibrant flavours. Expect balanced acidity, smooth sweetness, nuanced notes of chocolate, nuts, berries, spices, and a uniquely rich, aromatic complexity.

“Our Bababudangiri single-origin Arabica, washed-process micro-lot, is very popular for its exceptional smoothness and balanced acidity; it’s called Medium Roast NARI , which means Tiger. Our Coorg micro-lot, Italian Espresso roast is also a favourite, known for its bright notes and rich complexity. It’s called  MATANGA , meaning Elephant.”

Forest Bean

With every sip, you’re not just enjoying world-class coffee — you’re supporting a movement that values forests, farmers, and the future.

Head over to theforestbean.com to purchase it for yourself or make wholesale enquiries.

source: http://www.dailyhive.com / DH, Daily Hive / Home> DH Food & Drink> Food> Entrepreneurs> Sponsored> Coffee & Tea / by Katy Brennan / April 15th, 2025

Kodagu Mahila Sangha to hold cultural contests on Apr. 13

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Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru, will conduct cultural competitions on Apr.13 (Sunday) at 10.30 am at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram.

Chowrira Seethamma Kalaiah  will be the chief guest. Kollira Bollamma Kuttappa, President, Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, will preside.

K. Kavya Kuttappa, Vice – President; K. Bhavani Belliappa, Secretary; M. Jaya Muthappa, Treasurer; A. Tara Somaiah and P. Vimala Poonacha, Joint Secretaries; K. Pushpa Machaiah and K. Pushpa Nanaiah, Organising Secretaries and  P. Lovely Appaiah, Kodagu Mahila Sangha Advisor, will be present on the occasion.

The Sangha members and their children can participate in  drawing, singing, dance, pick-and-speak competitions.

For registration and details, contact Mob: 98862-84474, 99642-36284 or 77600-47102, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / April 08th, 2025

Lives and nation transformed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

‘Rising Sons’ takes us a hundred years back in time to a small village in the southern part of the country.

pix: penguin.co.in

Book: RISING SONS: A NOVEL

Published by: Penguin /Price: Rs 599 / Author: Kavery Nambisan

Kavery Nambisan, a surgeon by profession, has also achieved significant accolades for her writings. She began her career as a children’s author and steadily moved ahead, penning novels like The Scent of Pepper and The Story That Must Not Be Told that have gained her recognition. Rising Sons is her eighth novel. It takes us a hundred years back in time to a small village in the southern part of the country. It is a story that is immersed in the history that shaped our nation.

The general plot seems deceptively simple. It maps the lives of Devaraya’s family members, including his own, and would seem, on the surface, to be a basic coming-of-age story. Devaraya’s statement, “I have two boys and one-and-a-half girls”, opens the narrative and after a few pages it is revealed that the “half girl” is his adopted daughter, Chinni. His wife, Gowru, whom he collected from the Bhoodevi Anatha Ashram in Mysore, had been “orphaned” along with Bhagya when both their fathers were charged with theft and subsequently imprisoned. Their mothers followed their husbands, leaving the bewildered young girls alone. Chinni was Bhagya’s daughter. Devaraya, priding himself in his high Brahmin ancestry, scorned Bhagya who married the Malayali, Dharma, from the fishing community. He took a high-handed pleasure in arranging an abode for Bhagya in his village, Kesarugattu, where he had established himself as an honourable miller and a fair moneylender. He also held a proud position at a Mysore bank and visited his home fortnightly. Devaraya’s other children, the eldest, a boy named Nanju, another boy, Anna, and a daughter, Bhavani, were all overcome by the “darkness” Devaraya brought with him when he visited. The small village strictly adhered to the boundaries set by caste and Chinni’s inclusion in the Brahmin household after the unfortunate fate that befell her parents wagged tongues and incensed minds.

Devaraya was resolute in the education of his boys. Nanju was dutifully sent to the Putter Government High School (for boys) to complete his matriculation. Growing into a deeply thoughtful and keen young man, Nanju seemed to offer to his family a steadfast reputation. But the evils of caste divisions found the family. The revelation of the bitter truth of Devaraya’s childhood and his struggle to find a place for himself in the cruel rural society affected Nanju profoundly. Unable to bear the burden of his caste’s truth, he disappears from the pages of the book. Anna is more stoic in his handling of the shame. Beginning to trace his brother’s footsteps into higher education, Anna found himself getting involved in the struggle for national freedom. Inspired by the ideas of swaraj and the iron determination of the frail Gandhi, Anna and his friends rise above the aspersions of caste and delve into the newly-emerging political scenario. Anna becomes a successful Congressman and finds a life of glamour befitting his new role. Bhavani has long since been married off and is dismissed from the predominant plot line.

What of Chinni, then? Chinni retains the zeal and the sharpness of her rebellious parents. She reads and avidly follows the swadeshi movement. The little hints in the narrative about her relationship with Anna get buried under stories of sermons, speeches, rebellion and illegal pamphlets. Ironically, it is Devaraya’s “half” daughter who ultimately assumes full responsibility for him and his ageing wife.

Nambisan’s own childhood experiences in the warmth of her home colour the pages. Memories of home-cooked food, midnight adventures, and lasting friendships fill the lives of the growing children. The language lovingly encases the softness of these tender moments, moments that fleetingly haunt the characters in their busy adulthood.

In order to rise, one must fall. The novel is more about the poignant falls of fathers and brothers and sisters than about the consequent rise of sons and brothers. Nambisan deftly spins a tale that rushes us through the fast-changing nation at the brink of independence. In the rush, the author does not neglect her characters or her story. Rising Sons rises from amidst the bitter fall of its characters as an epic saga. The tale sits in the history of the country like a glowing ember, a showcase of how lives are changed, or remain unchanged, through the passage of time.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Books / by Tayana Chaterjee / pix: by penguin.co.in / April 04th, 2025

Codava Community Seeks Exclusive Constituencies and ST Status Amid Concerns Over Delimitation

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , ,

HIGHLIGHTS

The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a human chain demonstration in Birunani on Monday, urging the Union Government to address their long-standing demands.

Madikeri :

The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a human chain demonstration in Birunani on Monday, urging the Union Government to address their long-standing demands. The primary demand is the creation of exclusive Codava constituencies for the Assembly and Parliament to ensure adequate representation of the community within their traditional homeland.

The CNC expressed concerns that the ongoing delimitation process may overlook the interests of the Codava community. Leaders fear that political influences could result in the merging of Codavaland with neighbouring areas, undermining the representation of the indigenous Codavas.

The CNC has put forward two proposals: carving out dedicated Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in Codavaland and creating exclusive representative bodies for the Codava community, similar to the Sangha Constituency for the Buddhist monastic community in Sikkim.

The CNC also reiterated its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status under the Indian Constitution, highlighting the community’s distinct identity, culture, and history. The demand is anchored in Articles 244 and 371, along with provisions in the Sixth and Eighth Schedules, which recognise and protect tribal communities and languages.

The CNC argues that this misrepresentation has led to a gradual erosion of the community’s identity, describing it as a violation of international conventions on indigenous rights.

A writ petition filed by former Member of Parliament Dr. Subramanian Swamy in the Karnataka High Court seeks adjudication of the Codavas’ demands. The CNC is also advocating for recognition of Codavas under international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The CNC has called for the restitution of ancestral lands that were taken over by various rulers, including the Keladi dynasty, British authorities, and subsequent governments.

The CNC remains firm in its demand for recognition as a distinct indigenous community and continues to engage with constitutional and legal avenues to secure their rights. The human chain event at Birunani marked the latest step in the community’s long-standing struggle for recognition and justice.

Is Sullia being pitched to be an assembly segment of Mysuru-Kodagu LS constituency?

In another development, DV Sadananda Gowda (former MP) and Shobha Karandlaje, representing Bengaluru North LS constituency, have been alleged to have brought pressure on the central government to annexe Sullia Assembly constituency, which is currently one of the eight assembly segments in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, to be a part of the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency. The Codavas point out that this move will further strengthen the Vokkaliga dominance in the Kodagu district and will worsen the Codava community’s representation in the Karnataka assembly. “This is in a preliminary stage, and in the coming days we will further investigate the effects of the inclusion of the Sullia Assembly constituency into the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency.”

source: http://www/thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by The Hans India, Hans News Service / March 31t, 2025

Celebrating Kodava Traditions

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Kodava Sahitya Akademi to host ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ at Ammathi on Mar. 29, 30

The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademi in association with Kannada and Culture Department and Ammathi Kodava Samaja will be hosting the ‘Kodava Balya Namme,’ a lively celebration that highlights the rich heritage of Kodava folk music and dance at the Kodava Samaja premises in Ammathi on Mar. 29 and 30.

Parade of Colours and Tradition

The event will kick off with a colourful parade, featuring ceremonial attire, vaalaga and dudikott music and dance. The tone for a weekend of excitement and cultural revelry will be set by this procession.

Stage for Folk Artistes

The ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ will feature a range of cultural competitions, including folk singing and dancing. Talented troupes of folk singers and dancers from across Karnataka will come together for the Namme, to display their talents and vie with one another for top honours on a shared platform. The Akademi’s dedication to preserving and promoting Kodava culture is demonstrated by this event.

Literary Delights

Book lovers will be excited to know that the festival will also include book releases, showcasing the literary accomplishments of Kodava authors. Also, poetry recitations will provide the celebrations with cultural elegance and refinement.

Exhibition and Seminary Sessions

An exhibition of heritage artefacts will provide a glimpse into Kodava history and customs. There will be discussion sessions, featuring expert panels and thought-provoking themes pertaining to the Kodava culture and identity, as well.

Celebrating Successes

Additionally, the Akademi will honour the achievements of successful individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective domains. These deserving people will get honorary prizes in recognition of their contributions.

Music and Dance Extravaganza

The strains of folk music and the vivid colours of ceremonial attire will fill the Samaja over the course of two days. A variety of acts, such as folk songs, dances and other cultural presentations, will be included in the competitions.

Cultural Events and Performances

The initial parade will be inaugurated in the morning on the 29th of March in Ammathi and will be from Hosur junction to the Kodava Samaja. Later, there will be a release of newly published books. Various song and dance competitions will be inaugurated the same day. That day there will also be a heritage items exhibition, a discussion session and a poetry recitation session.

The next morning there will be another discussion session. The final event of the second day is the distribution of the Akademi’s honorary prizes to achievers and for new books.

Join the Festivities

Various dignitaries, such as State Ministers, the Mysuru-Kodagu MP, MLAs and MLC and the DC, and accomplished individuals have been invited as guests. Former Presidents of the Kodava Sahitya Akademi, the Presidents of the various Kodava Samajas and the Kodava Bhasika (speakers) organisations have also been invited.

Regardless of whether you are a culture enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is sure to be a memorable celebration of Kodava heritage.

The ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ promises to be unforgettable with music, dance, literature and cultural richness. Mark your calendars for March 29th and 30th and immerse yourself in the celebrations at Ammathi Kodava Samaja in Kodagu. Kodava Sahitya Akademi to host ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ at Ammathi on Mar. 29, 30.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa / March 28th, 2025

Mysurean emerges Champion at Trump International Golf

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

The 24-year-old Mysurean, Drishti Karumbaya, who emerged the Ladies’ Golf Champion at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County, Florida, celebrated her victory with the 78-year-old US President Donald Trump, who won the Men’s Golf Championship.

“I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Drishti, daughter of Dentist Dr. P.G. Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan) and Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda), residents of Yadavagiri in Mysuru, is working as a Golf Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a member of Trump International Golf Club.

An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and NPS International in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, she is a double major in Sociology and Human Development from California State University.

Having initiated into golfing when she was 9 years old at JWGC, Mysuru, Drishti had a Career Best Ranking of #5 in the U-13 category in India, was the runner-up in the Wester India Ladies & Junior Girls Championship in 2014, winner of the CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event by 11 strokes in 2015 and winner of the Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Junior Championship in 2016. She has also won various Championships representing  California State University.

At the Trump International Golf Club Championship, Drishti won Stableford on day-1 and Matchplay on day-2 and 3.

Drishti’s younger brother Dhruv Bopanna is also a pro-golfer in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 19th, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

All homestays in Kodagu district should be mandatorily registered: DC

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , ,

There are around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far, says Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu.

The Kodagu district administration has directed owners of homestays in the district to mandatorily register themselves with the Tourism Department.

Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, who convened a meeting of representatives of hotels, resorts, homestays, and travel agencies in Madikeri recently to discuss the measures to ensure the safety of tourists, said the process of registering the homestays had been simplified.

Given the simplified process of registration, verification and certification is completed within a short period, he said.

Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu, said there were around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far.

Meanwhile, Mr. Venkat Raja said the details of all the registered homestays should be made available online for easy access. The district administration aims to register all the homestays in the district and even facilitate online registration by paying a fee of ₹500, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner warned of strict legal action against unregistered homestays if any illegal activity or untoward incidents occur on their premises. He said the homestay owners in remote or forest areas would be held accountable for incidents involving their guests if they had not obtained prior approval from the police or forest departments.

Security

While issuing directions for the installation of CCTV cameras, posting of home guards or security personnel, and ensuring adequate lighting and illumination at night for the safety of the guests at all hotels, resorts, and homestays, Mr. Venkat Raja also directed the executive officers of taluk panchayats and tahsildars to hold regular meetings to ensure that these tourist facilities are complied with the government directives before issuing them trade licenses.

He also emphasised the need for heightening security measures in border areas of the district like Chelavara, Iruppu, and Dubare. The district administration has also emphasised the need to prioritise the safety of women and children at their facilities and tourist destinations.

The authorities said the tourists can contact the district police helpline at 94808-04900 or the District Disaster Management unit at 08272-221077 in case of emergencies.

The district administration has also shared the circular dated March 10, 2025, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, on safety measures to be enforced for the safety of tourists.

Among other things, the circular pointed out that prior approval from the police must be obtained before taking tourists to remote or isolated areas, and tourists should be made aware of local culture, safety risks, and legal aspects. Only registered transport services for taxis and ride-share apps should be used.

The safety protocols for tourists include that they avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, use digital payment methods (UPI, cards) instead of carrying large amounts of cash, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transaction, use a VPN for secure Internet access, and exercise caution in remote areas, forests, and near water bodies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025